Professor Lee is talking with a group of students from Yizhou High School. Now Li Hua is asking a question and professor Lee is answering.
Li Hua: When I hang out with American friends, I'm always afraid to speak. I feel like they will laugh at my accent(口音). What can I do, Professor Lee?
Professor Lee: It's a good question! This is a typical problem among you students. First, it's Ok to speak English with an accent. It shows who you are and where you're from. English is an international language. English speakers from the US, the UK, Australia, and South Africa all have different accents. In fact, correct grammar and word choice are much more important. Second, most foreigners are friendly and will not laugh at you. So just relax and be yourself. I always tell my students. Don't be shy. Just try!" If you have a chance, take it. Finally, failure is the best teacher. As the saying goes, "Failure is the mother of success." Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player of all time, found the secret to success. He said, "I've failed over and over again in my life. And that's why I succeed.”
